ACE inhibitors

There are many different ACE inhibitors which are effective in achieving ideal blood pressure via expanding the body’s blood vessels making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.  However as with all high blood pressure tablets ACE inhibitors have a range of side effects including itchness, dry cough, chances of hyperkalemia are increased in those with kidney disease.

Diuretics

These high blood pressure tablets work by increasing fluid output through the kidneys, and can lead to an excessive loss of potassium resulting in hypokalemia. Other side effects of these high blood pressure tablets are fatigue.

Beta blockers

These high blood pressure tablets achieve ideal blood pressure via a mechanism which lowers heart rate, but can backfire resulting in a low heart rate as well as sleep disturbances and depression.

Calcium channel blockers

These high blood pressure tablets operate via a mechanism which disturbs the entry of calcium into the human heart, helping to achieve ideal blood pressure.  However they can bring on some unwanted side effects including GI upsets with nausea and constipation.  Headaches and drowsiness may also be more frequent when taking these particular high blood pressure tablets.

Angiotensin 2 receptor antagonists

These high blood pressure tablets prevent angiotensin 11 from acting on the heart and associated blood vessels thus preventing a rise in blood pressure. However they have negative effects on the kidneys decreasing urine output and leading to increased risk of high blood potassium levels as well as dizziness.

Before commencing any high blood pressure tablets be sure to discuss each available tablet with your doctor to see what is best for you.

1) Blueberries. I have mentioned before the benefits of blueberries in lowering high blood pressure, well they are also effective at cholesterol reduce including total blood levels and harmful LDL levels.  Blueberries are full of antioxidants and they contain pterostilbene which is thought to be responsible for cholesterol lowering and as the compound is specific to fat cells it causes less side effects compared to statins.

2) Oats and whole grains. Studies have shown that people who eat diets high in fibre containing oats and whole grains have lower cholesterol levels than their counterparts who dont eat a diet high in fibre. Fibre forms a gel which binds to and hold cholesterol thus helping its excretion from the body.

3) Garlic- this can be used to lower cholesterol but needs to be consumed in high doses as great as 5 cloves per day. A study in 2007 using a smaller amount of garlic daily showed no effect on blood cholesterol levels whereas many early studies where subjects were consuming 800mg of powdered garlic for 4 months showed that their cholesterol levels dropped by as much as 12% and triglyceride levels also dropped by a significant 17%. Overall I believe that garlic should be added to most meals as the majority of evidence suggests it lowers LDL levels and increases HDL levels and works similarly to a statin.

4) Fish and fish oils- these are both rich in omega-3 fatty acids which has a range of protective effects on the heart and reduces your risk of dying from heart disease through a mechanism involving reduction of inflammation. It is recommended you consume two portions of fish a week such as salmon or herring in order to cholesterol reduce.

5) Avocados- these are thought to help cholesterol reduce by increasing levels of HDL cholesterol and decreasing levels of LDL cholesterol.  Avocado was shown in one study to lower cholesterol levels by 8% whereas a low fat diet only lowered the levels by 5% highlighting the fact that avocados are more effective at cholesterol reduce.  Avocados have the ability to prevent LDL cholesterol absorption due to the presence of a plant alcohol known as Beta-Sitosterol.

I believe these five foods such be present in everyone’s diet in order to maintain ideal cholesterol levels and help your heart stay healthy.

High cholesterol levels can be treated by a combination of lifestyle and dietary modifications as well as prescription medication.